How does an optical fibre transfer light?

To understand how an optical fibre transfers light, we must first understand the concept of 'total internal reflection'. Whenever light is refracted from one medium to another, the refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first along with the angle of incidence determines what the refracted angle will be. Generally during this process, most of the light is refracted and some small portion is reflected. When light strikes at a certain angle of incidence greater than the mediums' 'critical angle', all of the light is reflected and no refraction occurs. This phenomenon is called total internal reflection (I would draw the standard diagram here to explain). An optical fibre is a long thin strand of glass with an outer plastic coating which works on this principle.

Follow up question to test understanding: Is total internal reflection possible for light moving from an optically denser to optically rarer medium, the other way around, or both?

Answered by Akshay S. Physics tutor

1723 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the model now used for the structure of an atom. Refer to the constituent particles including their relative masses and charges.


I never know where to start where I get a calculation question given many values, what should I do? (e.g: finding how much energy is needed for all the ice in a glass of water to melt after the ice is dropped into warm water)


if -3 + -4 is -7, is -3 x -4 =-12 (also negative)


Two beakers contain water at room temperature. One contains 200ml, the other 400ml. If both beakers are heated above identical Bunsen burners, which of the two will take longer to boil?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences